Fear and Loathing in Grade 3 Math Class

So you are in Grade 3. You are asked to do this:Use the repeated multiplication strategy to solve: 5 x 3. Here’s your answer:

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Firstly, give the kid a cigar. According to The Telegraph, UK, the kid is only in Grade 3 and can read: repeated multiplication strategy without their head exploding.Secondly, this kid understands the question.

According to The Telegraph :The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) in the US defended how the paper was marked, saying it gives students a better understanding of the problems they are solving.

Of course, the NCTM is suggesting:

5 x 3 = 5 times 3 = 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3

5 x X = 5 times X = X + X + X + X + X

But what about:

X x 3 = ?

X x 3 = X times 3 = 3 times X = X + X + X

Mathematicians have to think like this! They must be nibble. Mathematicians must think for themselves.

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Too many kids hate maths due to FEAR or BOREDOM. How much would you hate maths if you got correct answers marked WRONG?